23 dec

Hard Sauce

MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS

125 g (½ cup) butter, softened

125 g (1 cup) icing sugar

2 tablespoons brandy

pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Using an electric beater, beat the butter and icing sugar in a bowl until very pale and creamy. Beat in the brandy and nutmeg. Transfer to a serving bowl. Keep at a cool room temperature until ready to serve with Christmas pudding, or any other rich, steamed fruit pudding.